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Speaking ahead of Carers Week, which starts tomorrow, she says carers have been let down by the government and need more cash, support and understanding.

Claire and her brother Piers help care for their parents John and Angela, both 77, who are disabled.

Their father was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in his late 20s while their mother has had severe back problems and rheumatoid arthritis, like Claire, since her children were young.

She and Piers have never found caring for their own parents a burden.

But Claire added: “I worry about not having children. I see how my brother and I try to help out our parents – I haven’t got that.”

The actress, who had a hysterectomy in 2010 and was left with tinnitus and a facial paralysis after having shingles, joined Corrie as feisty Erica in 2014.

A friend of Liz McDonald, Erica fell pregnant after a fling with Nick Tilsley and was heartbroken to lose the baby. She went on to ruffle feathers with her relationship with corner shop owner Dev Alahan.

Last month Claire revealed that she was leaving the soap to head for new challenges beyond Weatherfield, but the door has been left open for her return.

In a statement, the actress explained it was time for her to look for a new challenge.

"It's been a dream come true to tread those famous cobbles," she said.

I was only meant to stay for six weeks initially, so for Erica to be so popular that she stayed for three years and even worked in The Rovers was a real compliment to me as an actress.

"I've had such a great time with the cast and crew, so it's fabulous that they have left the door open for Erica to return in the future.

"Who knows what adventures she'll be getting up to away from the Street?